Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre’s (ADSCC) groundbreaking cancer therapy marks a milestone in precision medicine but, above all, it offers new hope – especially to patients whose cancers no longer respond to conventional treatments.
For the first time in the UAE, the centre has successfully isolated Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) from breast and lung tumours, it was announced in October. In this advanced and highly personalised form of cancer treatment, a patient’s immune cells are used to target tumours.
Speaking to Aletihad, Prof Yendry Ventura (MD), CEO of ADSCC and Adjunct Professor at UAE University, said this procedure is “fundamentally different” from traditional chemotherapy and radiation.
Conventional treatments attack rapidly dividing cells, “which often affects both cancer cells and healthy tissues, leading to significant side effects”, Prof Ventura said.
“[In TIL therapy], we isolate the patient’s own tumour-reactive T cells from the cancer itself, expand and activate them in the lab, then reinfuse them as a concentrated, personalised immune ‘army’ against that specific tumour.”
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, this personalised method leverages the one’s own immune system to precisely target the cancer.
“While it will not replace all existing treatments, it offers a new, more precise option, especially for patients whose cancers have stopped responding to standard therapies,” Prof Ventura said.
The programme is expected to benefit cancer patients who are suffering from a wide range of solid tumours.
“TIL therapy is particularly promising for solid tumours where the immune system is already trying to fight the cancer but needs additional support,” the ADSCC CEO said.
The approach has already produced strong results in melanoma, a type of skin cancer. ADSCC’s current work focused on breast and lung tumours, as these cause two of the most common cancers in the UAE, he added.
Currently being developed in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and SEHA, the project is creating a foundation for future clinical trials and large-scale production of TILs and TCR-engineered T cells.
By developing Abu Dhabi’s capability to produce TILs, patients no longer have to travel overseas for the treatment, ensuring timely access to world-class care, Prof Ventura said.
“We are translating the nation’s vision and leadership goals into reality, making world-class, cutting-edge treatments accessible from the comfort of one’s own country. This approach not only eliminates the need for patients to travel abroad but also ensures they receive care in a familiar environment with their loved ones around,” he added.
The success of the initiative relies on collaboration across the healthcare system, Prof Ventura stressed.
“The UAE Government and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi play a vital role in enabling these advancements by providing clear frameworks for research, supportive policies, and open dialogue between scientists, clinicians, and regulators.”
The treatment has been approved by the DoH as an observational study, and major steps are now being taken to advance the project towards clinical use.
“The first step has been to demonstrate that we can reliably isolate TILs from solid tumours. After expansion, characterisation, and in vitro testing, the next phase is to translate this capability into GMP-grade manufacturing processes, and work closely with regulators to design early-phase clinical trials,” Prof Ventura said.
The programme is also opening new research pathways for ADSCC scientists and clinicians.
“It enables hands-on involvement in cutting-edge immunotherapy research. These opportunities also support academic growth, allowing scientists and clinicians to contribute to impactful research, clinical trials, and publications, while playing a direct role in advancing the future of cancer care in the UAE,” he said.
Further, ADSCC plans to expand the range of cancers that are being studied; integrate TILs into national cancer strategies; and develop a comprehensive, homegrown adoptive cell therapy ecosystem.
“In three to five years, we envision ADSCC not only providing these therapies to patients in the UAE, but also serving as a regional hub where patients from abroad can access cutting-edge, personalised cancer care,” he said.
